Henry Miller trove, Bob Dylan master tapes headline at Guernsey’s Dec. 14

Henry Miller's 500 remarkable letters to Brenda Venue, $600,000-$800,000 at Guernsey's.

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NEW YORK — Guernsey’s returns on Thursday, December 14 with a tightly focused, 31-lot auction called Iconic Items From The 20th Century, including sports and music items, and an incredible cache of correspondence and art from famed semi-autobiographical novelist Henry Miller. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

Miller (1891-1980) is best remembered for his 1934 novel Tropic of Cancer, which caused a worldwide sensation for its focus on frank sexual subject matter. Miller changed the rules of writing by using first person for many of his works, something that would not only become his trademark but also influence generations of writers thereafter.

Central to the 16 lots associated with Miller is a series of 500 letters sent by the author to model and writer Brenda Muse, which were used as source material for her 1986 book Dear, Dear Brenda – The Love Letters of Henry Miller to Brenda Venus. Despite their 60-year age difference, Miller shares his thoughts, memories and passions (including those for Venus) throughout. The lot comes with no conveyance of copyright and is estimated at $600,000-$800,000.

Top lots in the sale are from musical pioneers and icons of the Baby Boom generation. First up are the original 1961 master recording tapes from Bob Dylan’s eponymous first album, released in 1962. Discovered and produced by John Hammond, who would go on to influence the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin and Leonard Cohen, the tapes include both released and unreleased tracks, plus his booth conversations with Dylan. The lot is estimated at $800,000-$1.2 million.

In 1968 the Beatles released The Beatles, better known as The White Album. Each double album came with a serialized embossed numbering stamp on the cover. The Guernsey’s auction includes the absolute first record, one of three created at Capitol Records’ supplier Queens Litho in New York, numbered A0000001, still factory-sealed. It was kept by a Queens Litho employee who oversaw the run, and was conveyed to the consignor in 1998, himself a respected Beatles collector and author. The double-LP is estimated at $750,000-$1 million.
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Trove of 500 letters Henry Miller wrote to Brenda Venue, estimated at $600,000-$800,000 at Guernsey’s.
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Original master tapes for Bob Dylan’s 1962 debut LP, estimated at $800,000-$1,200,000 at Guernsey’s.
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The Beatles factory-sealed ‘White Album’ numbered A0000001, estimated at $750,000-$1 million at Guernsey’s.
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Ticket stub from New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series, estimated at $80,000-$120,000 at Guernsey’s.
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1915 Charles Carmel Coney Island carousel horse, estimated at $8,000-$10,000 at Guernsey’s.
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Bob Dylan lyrics and an extraordinary album of Congressional signatures stars at University Archives Sept. 6

Bob Dylan Handwritten Signed Lyrics to Counterculture Anthem "Subterranean Homesick Blues"

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WILTON, Conn. — Well known for bringing unique and important historical items to market, University Archives returns Wednesday, September 6 with a 505-lot Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Sports Memorabilia event, with bidding available at LiveAuctioneers.

Hand-written lyrics to important and historic songs are always in high demand, and this sale has an amazing example: Subterranean Homesick Blues, written in Bob Dylan’s own hand and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity signed by Dylan’s manager. The song is widely cited by musicians as a turning point in the burgeoning folk rock movement of 1965 and beyond. The lot carries an estimate of $40,000-$50,000.

Few names are held in higher esteem in the scientific community than Albert Einstein, the father of the theory of relativity. A 1920 letter in German, from Einstein to astronomer Dr. Friedrich Simon Archenhold, discusses his then-new theory, which Einstein had previously presented at Arcchenhold’s observatory in 1915. The letter is accompanied by an authenticity certification and is estimated at $28,000-$35,000.

One of the few known documents to contain autographs from Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, opposing presidents during the Civil War, is a circa 1847-48 autograph book commemorating the 30th United States Congress. This amazing lot contains signatures of five U.S. Presidents and then-Congressman Abraham Lincoln, as well as that of the man who represents a world-class trivia question.

David Rice Atchison was a Democratic senator from Missouri who happened to hold the post of president pro tempore on Sunday, March 4, 1849. Pedants and sticklers have made the case that, technically, due to an unlikely chain of circumstances that is too long to detail here, Atchison was acting president of the United States from March 4-5.

Atchison never advanced this claim, and pretty much every credible scholar and historian has debunked it. Nonetheless, his gravestone declares him as having been ‘President of the United States for One Day,’ and the inclusion of his signature in this album adds cache. It is estimated at $20,000-$24,000.
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Bob Dylan, handwritten lyrics for ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ estimated at $40,000-$50,000 at University Archives.
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1920 Albert Einstein-signed typewritten letter in German, discussing relativity, estimated at $28,000-$35,000 at University Archives.
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English pronouncing dictionary with prominent signature of John Wilkes Booth, estimated at $24,000-$28,000 at University Archives.
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Declaration of Independence, William Stone/Peter Force facsimile, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 at University Archives.
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1847-48 autograph album of the 30th United States Congress, including the signature of so-called ‘President for a Day’ David Rice Atchison, estimated at $20,000-$24,000 at University Archives.
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Bob Dylan’s 1914 Scottish Highlands estate lists for $3.9M

Bob Dylan’s 18,357-square-foot mansion in the Scottish highlands includes 16 bedrooms, each with lovely garden views, and 11 bathrooms. Image courtesy of Knight Frank and TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
Bob Dylan’s 18,357-square-foot mansion in the Scottish highlands includes 16 bedrooms, each with lovely garden views, and 11 bathrooms. Image courtesy of Knight Frank and TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
Bob Dylan’s 18,357-square-foot mansion in the Scottish highlands includes 16 bedrooms, each with garden views, and 11 bathrooms. Image courtesy of Knight Frank and TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

NETHY BRIDGE, Scotland – Bob Dylan, one of America’s greatest songwriters, rose to fame during the 1960s with hits such as Blowin’ in the Wind and The Times They Are A-Changin’. His songs captured the tumultuous spirit of the time and became anthems for the anti-war and civil rights movements. The winner of 10 Grammy awards, an Academy Award, a Pulitzer Prize, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Dylan has sold more than 145 million albums and performed more than 3,000 shows. Now 82, Dylan continues to tour, having recently wrapped up his European concert series. In addition to his musical career, Dylan has published nine books of paintings and drawings and his visual art has been exhibited at major galleries. For the last 17 years, he has owned a stately mansion known as Aultmore House in Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorm National Park in Scotland. Unable to visit it since the Covid-19 pandemic, Dylan has listed the property for sale, accepting offers in excess of £3,000,000, or $3.9 million.

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Gallery Report: Auction sector wraps 2022 with exceptional results

ATLANTA – At the start of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world as a whole. Please enjoy the January 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Bo Bartlett painting, $352,800, Freeman’s

A monumental 2015 painting by American artist Bo Bartlett, titled The Promised Land, sold for $352,800 during American Art Week sales held Dec. 4-6 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, William Herbert Dunton’s Grizzly Bear earned $302,400; Edward Willis Redfield’s Winter Brook brought $151,200; Robert Spencer’s Courtyard at Noon achieved $63,000; Charles Burchfield’s The Garden Path wound its way to $119,700; and Everett Shinn’s Philadelphia Docks went for $113,400.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, CA$54,870, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch, Ref. 116515, with 18K Everose gold, sold for $54,870 in an online-only Luxury Watches Sale held November 19 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a circa-1988 Rolex Day-Date President watch, Ref. 18038, with an 18K gold case, made $23,600; and a circa-2001 De Grisogono Grande ladies’ watch brought $20,060. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Chanel shoulder bag, $4,062, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A classic double flap Chanel shoulder bag in black quilted lambskin calf leather with gold hardware sold for $4,062 at a Holiday Estates & Couture Auction held December 2 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, an oil painting titled Portrait of a Lady with Fan by Fernand Toussaint (French and Belgian, 1873-1956) went for $2,176; an early 20th-century Louis Vuitton steamer trunk finished at $1,920; and an etching by Charles Marion Russell (1864-1926) won $1,024.

Gold Rush-era jeans, $114,000, Holabird Western Americana Collections

Miner’s work pants recovered from the 1857 sinking of the S.S. Central America, the oldest known California Gold Rush-era jeans of their kind, possibly made by or for Levi Strauss, sold for $114,000 at auction held December 3 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, the historic brass name tag and keys from the ship’s Purser, Edward W. Hull, collected $102,300; and the lid to the oldest known Wells Fargo treasure shipment box went for $99,600.

‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag, $28,566, Hake’s Auctions

A circa-1864 ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ Civil War-era Confederate Gadsden flag sold for $28,566 at a Pop Culture auction held Nov. 15-16 by Hake’s Auctions in York, Pennsylvania. Also, hand-colored stat paper sheets for the 1987 ‘Marvel Masterworks’ #1 hardcover book that reprints the 1963 Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1, #1, with artwork by Steve Ditko, commanded $14,437.

Diamond Planet Robot, $33,210, Milestone Auctions

An original Yonezawa 10in tin windup Diamond Planet Robot with reproduction box sold for $33,210 at a Winter Toy Extravaganza held December 10 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Masudaya 15in battery-op Target Robot from the Gang of Five robot series, with correct dart gun and dart, brought $14,400; and a Distler 8in tin windup Directional Policeman car with comical bug-eyed driver and graphics hit $14,400.

Marklin Fidelitas clown train, $84,000, Bertoia Auctions

A Marklin Fidelitas clown train with all-original paint sold for $84,000 at a sale held Nov. 17-18 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, New Jersey. Also, a Tippco lithographed tin Santa car rolled away for $60,000; a Santa belsnickle with reindeer-drawn sleigh pull-toy, accompanied by what might be its original wooden crate realized $50,400; and a Hubley cast-iron Hill Climber motorcycle, olive green with nickel wheels, made $48,000.

Gertrude Abercrombie painting, $437,500, Hindman

A 1947 painting by Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1947), Untitled (Woman with Tethered Horse and Moon), sold for $437,500 and a new world auction record for the artist at a Post-War & Contemporary Auction held December 14 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, Subterrachial Bop Boop, a 1967 work by Gladys Nilsson (American, b. 1940-) realized $75,000; and a complete Locus portfolio, dating to 1972-1975 and made by Dorothea Rockburne (Canadian, b. 1932-), rose to $46,875.

Bird-form lamps, $63,000, Doyle

A pair of 1950s Italian ceramic bird-form lamps retailed by Beth Weissman sold for $63,000 in Day 1 of a Doyle+Design auction held Dec. 7-8 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a 1950s carved Sapele cabinet by Alexandre Noll with provenance to his estate changed hands for $44,100. Day 2 saw record prices for paintings and prints spanning the 20th century to the present day.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Smith & Wesson, $910,625, Rock Island Auction Company

A documented Col. Theodore Roosevelt Smith & Wesson No. 3 pistol sold for $910,625 at a Premier Auction held Dec. 9-11 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, a factory Cuno Helfricht Master engraved Colt Model 1877 Lightning realized $323,125, and an exhibition grade Gustave Young engraved gold Winchester Model 1866 garnered $211,500.

Molesworth-style sofa, $18,750, John Moran Auctioneers

A 21st-century New West Furniture Co. Molesworth-style sofa sold for $18,750 at an Art of the American West sale held November 16 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a circa-1890-1910 cigar store Native American figure in the style of Samuel Robb went for $18,750, and a 2012 painting by Logan Maxwell Hagege (b. 1980-), titled Dry Air, changed hands for $22,500.

Signed Marilyn Monroe photo, $300,000, Heritage Auctions

The only known photograph of Marilyn Monroe that she inscribed to Joe DiMaggio sold for $300,000 at an auction held December 1 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. It was a new auction record for a signed Monroe photograph. The picture was a publicity still taken in 1953 for the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and it was already among the most famous and coveted of Monroe’s portraits. Monroe inscribed it, “I love you Joe, Marilyn,” and it came with a signed letter from DiMaggio’s daughters Paula and Kathie.

Aaron Judge home run ball, $1.5 million, Goldin Auctions

The baseball that New York Yankees star Aaron Judge hit for his American League record 62nd home run sold for $1.5 million in an auction that began Nov. 29 and ended Dec. 18 at Goldin Auctions in Runnemede, New Jersey. The seller was Cory Youmans, who caught the ball in his glove when Judge launched it into the left field stands at Globe Life Field in Texas on Oct. 4. It was the second highest amount ever paid for a baseball at auction. The most was $3 million for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run, hit on Sept. 27, 1998.

Thurston Master Magician poster, $9,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

 A linen-mounted ‘Thurston Master Magician. Million Dollar Mystery’ broadside poster, printed in Cleveland around 1928 by Otis Lithograph Company, sold for $9,000 at a Winter Magic Auction held December 10 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a pair of Tower Bean Pattern handcuffs believed to have been worn by Harry Houdini realized $7,200, and a Silk and Water Vase magic apparatus made in Philadelphia in 1925 by Carl Brema and Sons earned $6,600.

Martha Walter painting, $27,500, Lark Mason Associates

An oil on panel by Martha Walter (American, 1875-1976), titled Coney Island on Monday Morning, sold for $27,500 at a Fine and Decorative Works of Art auction held Nov. 16-17 by Lark Mason Associates in New Braunfels, Texas. Also, a maritime painting by Henry Moret, titled Marine, finished at $78,500; a Chinese jade mounted wood table screen realized $22,500; a Roman-style marble torso of Aphrodite won $12,438; and a Qing dynasty porcelain Jue made $43,750.

Bob Dylan love letters, $669,875, RR Auction          

An archive of 42 love letters written by Bob Dylan to a high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Hewittt, sold for $669,875 in an auction that began Oct. 26 and ended Nov. 17 at RR Auction, based in Boston. Included in the archive were early drawings and photos, including one of the earliest signed Dylan photos known to exist, which realized $24,361. Another Dylan archive in the sale consisted of 24 handwritten works collectively dubbed Poems Without Titles, written while he was at college. It brought $249,563.

E.T. mechatronic model, $2.56 million, Julien’s Auctions

The original, film-used mechatronic model for the 1982 movie E.T. The Extraterrestrial sold for $2.56 million at an Icons and Idols: Hollywood auction held Dec. 17-18 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, the E.T. character maquette went for $125,000 and the Kuwahara BMX bike from film production brought $115,200; Charlton Heston’s so-called “Holy Staff” from The Ten Commandments summoned $448,000; and dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe rose to $256,000 and $224,000, respectively.

“Mean” Joe Greene jersey, $60,043, Lelands

A “Mean” Joe Greene Pittsburgh Steelers game-worn jersey from the team’s 1975 Super Bowl-winning season sold for $60,043 at a Fall Classic Auction that closed on December 10 at Lelands in Matawan, New Jersey. Also, a New York Yankees batting helmet worn by Mickey Mantle circa 1957-1958 settled at $51,868; an early 1930s Home Run Special baseball signed by Babe Ruth brought $32,497; and a Frank Robinson 1966 Orioles jersey from his MVP / Triple Crown season hit $50,400.

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/

Stephenson’s to auction last of famed rock concert poster collection, Dec. 11

Bob Dylan pictorial concert poster from a 1963 appearance at the University Regent Theater, Syracuse, New York. Estimate $1,000-$2,000

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – The third and final auction of rock concert posters from the estate of Perry Pfeffer (circa 1949-2020), visionary founder of Postercade, will be held at Stephenson’s Auction’s suburban Philadelphia gallery on Sunday, December 11. All additional forms of bidding will be available, including absentee, phone and live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.

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Archive of Bob Dylan love letters to old flame earns $669K

Detail of one of the 42 love letters Bob Dylan, then Bob Zimmerman, wrote to Barbara Ann Hewitt in the 1950s. Imagescourtesy of RR Auction and © the estate of Barbara Hewitt
Group of period Bob Dylan materials, including some of the 42 love letters that sold collectively for $669,875. The photographs were offered as separate lots. Image courtesy of RR Auction and © the estate of Barbara Hewitt
Group of period Bob Dylan materials, including some of the 42 love letters that sold collectively for $669,875. The photographs were offered as separate lots. Image courtesy of RR Auction and © the estate of Barbara Hewitt

BOSTON – An archive of 42 love letters written by Bob Dylan to a high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Hewitt, sold for $669,875 at RR Auction on November 17. The Hewitt archive, in total, contains more than 150 pages of autograph material written between 1958 and 1959.

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Scarce version of Bob Dylan Freewheelin’ LP headlines at Heritage, July 9-10

Copy of Bob Dylan’s 1963 ‘Freewheelin’ album that includes four deleted tracks, est. $48,000-$72,000. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Copy of Bob Dylan’s 1963 ‘Freewheelin’ album that includes four deleted tracks, est. $48,000-$72,000. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Stereo copy of Bob Dylan’s 1963 ‘Freewheelin’ album that includes four deleted tracks, est. $48,000-$72,000. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

DALLAS – One of the rarest artifacts of Bob Dylan’s illustrious career will get a spin in Heritage Auctions’ Music Memorabilia Signature® Auction July 9-10. Dylan’s 1963 original Freewheelin’ album includes four tracks that were deleted and ultimately replaced by others before the album was distributed upon its release in May 1963. Almost all of the mono and stereo copies of the album with the original musical lineup were destroyed. The album is estimated at $48,000-$72,000. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Washington, Lincoln, Einstein and more gather at University Archives, June 22

George Washington’s boldly signed March 1775 free frank to Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke, est. $12,000-$14,000

 

George Washington’s boldly signed March 1775 free frank to Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke, est. $12,000-$14,000
George Washington’s March 1775 free frank to Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke, est. $12,000-$14,000

WILTON, Conn. – Extensive and historically significant archives pertaining to Civil War generals (one for the Union, one for the Confederacy), a George Washington-signed free frank document from March 1775, a typed letter signed by Albert Einstein concerning God and science and pertaining to one of his most famous quotes, and Bob Dylan’s handwritten lyrics for The Times They Are A-Changin’ are just a few of the highlights in University Archives’ next online-only auction, slated for Wednesday, June 22. The Rare Autographs, Manuscripts & Books auction, beginning at 10:30 am Eastern time, features 481 lots. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Gallery Report: Ed Clark abstract sells for record $740K at Hindman

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. Here’s the June 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Ed Clark’s Creation, $740,000, Hindman

Ed Clark’s acrylic on canvas Creation sold for $740,000 at a Post-War & Contemporary Art auction held May 11 by Hindman in Chicago. It was the highest price ever achieved for the artist. Also, John Craxton’s esoteric Cretan taverna scene Still Life with Three Sailors achieved $400,000, and four works by Chicago’s Queen of the Bohemians, Gertrude Abercrombie, went for a combined $925,000. The top achiever among the four was an oil on Masonite titled Toddy, Possim and Christine that realized $337,500.

U.S. 1901 one-cent error stamp, $5,500, Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC

A U.S. one-cent stamp commemorating the Pan American Exposition of 1901 with an inverted center – an error stamp philatelic rarity – sold for $5,500 at a Western Americana Auction held April 21-24 by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC in Reno, Nevada. Also, a US Mint San Francisco 23.06-ounce silver ingot, 999.75 fine, earned $8,125; and a Navajo squash blossom turquoise and coral necklace with matching earrings signed by Victor Moses Begay achieved $1,438.

Burchfield watercolor, $587,500, Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers

A 1965 watercolor on paper by Charles Burchfield (American, 1893-1967), titled Nighthawks and the Moon, sold for $587,500 in an online-only Spring Fine Art Auction held April 28 by Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Milford, Connecticut. Three paintings by Burchfield combined to sell for more than $1 million. Also, a signed watercolor and pastel on paper by Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858-1924) attained $187,500.

Baignoire de Cartier watch, $9,225, Neue Auctions

A Baignoire de Cartier 18K gold and diamond ladies’ watch, made around 2010, sold for $9,225 in an online-only Fine Interiors, Art & Antiques auction held April 30 by Neue Auctions in Beachwood, Ohio. Also, a large pair of Chinese turquoise glaze terracotta foo dogs on stands rose to $5,842; a pair of 1980s Art Deco-style lacquered wood and upholstered club chairs realized $3,567; and an English sterling silver serving tray made in London in 1783 went for $4,612.

Crescent City Auction Gallery photo requests

Newcomb Pottery group, $11,938, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A collection of six Newcomb Pottery pieces sold for $11,938 at an Important Estates Auction held May 13-14 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a pair of 19th–century Chinese porcelain baluster ginger jars finished at $6,875; an untitled abstract artwork by George Bauer Dunbar (American, b. 1929-), featuring red gold leaf over red clay with die keen, realized $4,375; and a 141-piece set of sterling flatware by International in the Continental pattern made $8,125.

Presentation copy of The Great Gatsby, $67,200, Potter & Potter Auctions

A presentation copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925, Charles Scribner & Sons, N.Y.) sold for $67,200 at a Literature Sale held April 26 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a copy of Oscar Wilde’s The Ballad of Reading Gaol brought $26,400; a copy of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon went for $22,800; and a copy of Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms went to a determined bidder for $21,600.

Chinese porcelain plaques, $137,500, Clements 

A pair of 20th-century Chinese porcelain plaques bearing the artist’s marks of Pan Taoyu (1887-1926) sold for $137,500 at an auction held April 2 by Clements auction house in Hixson, Tennessee. Pan Taoyu was one of the foremost creators of porcelain during China’s Republic period (1912-1949). He adopted the studio name Gu huan and died young, at age 39, so his surviving works are very scarce. The winning bidder was a Canadian dealer who was acting on behalf of Chinese clients.

John Hancock letter, $1.896 million, Freeman’s

A 1776 letter signed by John Hancock announcing America’s independence to the state of Georgia sold for $1.896 million at a May 4 Books and Manuscripts auction held by Freeman’s in Philadelphia, the star of a pair of sales that included the auction house’s May 3 American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts auction. Also performing well at the back-to-back auctions were a Chippendale mahogany sideboard table, which rose to $163,800; Rembrandt Peale’s portrait of George Washington, which finished at $94,500; and a first American edition of Jane Austen’s book Pride and Prejudice, which achieved $21,420.

Portrait by Thomas Sully, $94,500, Doyle New York

An 1839 portrait by Thomas Sully (British and American, 1783-1872) of Commodore James Biddle sold for $94,500 at an auction of American Paintings, Furniture & Decorative Arts held May 3-4 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a 1759 Map of the Improved Part of the Province of Pennsylvania by Nicholas Scull, the largest map printed in America in the 18th century, realized $88,200; and a pair of silver vases commissioned to memorialize Thomas Biddle, who died in a duel in 1831, brought $59,850.

1798 $1 Small Eagle coin, $205,625, Legend Rare Coin Auctions

A 1798 $1 U.S. Small Eagle coin with 13 stars, graded PCGS AU 58 CAC, sold for $205,625 at Regency Auction 51, held April 28 by Legend Rare Coin Auctions in Lincroft, New Jersey. Also, a 1795 $1 U.S. coin with two leaves, PCGS AU 58 CAC, achieved $105,750; an 1802/1 $5 U.S. coin, PCGS MS64+ CAC, changed hands for $102,812; an 1809/8 $5 U.S. coin, PCGS MS64+ CAC, went for $79,312; and an 1827 $5 U.S. coin, PCGS AU58+ CAC, rang up $79,312.

Maud Lewis oil painting, CA$413,000, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A 1967 oil-on-board painting by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1901-1970), titled Black Truck, sold for CA$413,000 in an online-only Canadiana & Decorative Arts auction held May 14 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, Lewis’s oil painting Oxen Pulling Logs realized CA$88,500; a group of three letters from Lewis to friend and artist John Kinnear attained CA$82,600; and a circa-1825 powder horn by John Tansel made $22,420. Prices in this entry are given in Canadian dollars.

1879 map of the Western U.S., $16,675, Old World Auctions

An 1879 six-sheet Map of the Territory of the United States, West of the Mississippi River, Edward Freyhold’s updated version of Lieutenant Warren’s general map, sold for $16,675 in an online auction held April 13-27 by Old World Auctions in Richmond, Virginia. Also, William Blaeu’s atlas of China and Japan, based on the compilations of the Jesuit Father Martino Martini during his mid-17th-century travels, made $13,800; and a 1779 Thomas Jefferson signed appointment hit $10,925.

Skeletonized watch, $15,000, John Moran Auctioneers

A Vacheron Constantin skeletonized wristwatch, featuring 18K gold and diamonds with a 36-jewel stem-wind set movement, sold for $15,000 at a Spring Jewels auction held May 3 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a large 14K gold carved lapis lazuli scarab pendant necklace with an Egyptian scene on the reverse realized $5,938; a platinum ring centering an emerald-cut, 2.58-carat diamond hit $23,750; and a circa-1880 diamond brooch went for $13,750.

Imperial dragon carpet, $324,500, Skinner Auctioneers

A circa-1600 Chinese Ming Imperial dragon carpet sold for $324,500 during two sales of the Jim Dixon collection held April 25-May 5 by Skinner Auctioneers, online and in the Boston gallery. Also, a circa-18th-century Northwest Persian or South Caucasian rug, finely woven in multi-colored lozenges on a coral-colored field, rang up $40,625; a circa-1800 early central Anatolian rug fragment earned $35,000; and two Chinese Ningxia fragments from the Kangxi era rose to $5,625.

Antoni Clave painting, $37,500, Andrew Jones Auctions

An oil on canvas by Antoni Clave (Spanish, 1913-2005), titled L’enfant a l’oiseaux, sold for $37,500 at an online auction of property from the collection of Kirk and Anne Douglas held May 18 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, a Chinese Export porcelain jardiniere on stand attained $11,250, and an Oushak carpet from West Anatolia finished at $10,625.

Bob Dylan lyrics, $60,500, RR Auction

Lyrics handwritten in 2013 by Bob Dylan for his classic song All Along the Watchtower, made popular by Jimi Hendrix, sold for $60,500 in an online auction that began April 14 and ended May 19 at RR Auction, based in Boston. The lyrics were written on one page in black ink and signed at the bottom “Bob Dylan, 2013.” Also, Jim Morrison’s handwritten lyrics for The Doors hit song Love Her Madly realized $43,750, and a Beatles signed Parlophone promo card achieved $25,970.

Rolex Daytona watch, $90,000, Clars Auction Gallery

A Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch, ref. 6263, slipped onto a new wrist for $90,000 at a Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction held May 19 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California. Soon after, on May 21-22, Clars held a Fine Art, Furniture & Asian Art auction, in which an unheated Burma ruby, diamond and 18K gold ring sold for $14,400, and a print by the Japanese painter, performer and installation artist Yayoi Kusama (b. 1933-) realized $12,000.

Kurt Cobain guitar, $4.5 million, Julien’s Auctions

Kurt Cobain’s 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, played in the grunge rock group Nirvana’s breakthrough hit and 1991 music video Smells Like Teen Spirit, sold for $4.5 million at a Music Icons auction held May 20, 21 and 22 by Julien’s Auctions in New York City. Also, Johnny Cash’s owned and stage-played 1956 Martin model D-21 acoustic guitar hit $437,500, and the pink gown and accessories worn by Madonna in her classic music video Material Girl went for $287,500.

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/

Young Bob Dylan’s handwritten poems showcased at RR Auction, May 19

Title page hand-drawn by Bob Dylan for ‘Poems Without Titles,’ est. $10,000-$15,000
Title page hand-drawn by Bob Dylan for ‘Poems Without Titles,’ est. $10,000-$15,000
Title page hand-drawn by Bob Dylan for ‘Poems Without Titles,’ est. $10,000-$15,000

BOSTON – RR Auction‘s May 19 Marvels of Modern Music sale is sure to be a hit. The auction is filled with incredible autographs and manuscripts, including an early original Bob Dylan poetry collection. The 16 pages of material, dubbed Poems Without Titles, were written by Dylan when he was a teenager, in 1959 and 1960, and will be offered in a series of individual lots. View the fully illustrated catalog on LiveAuctioneers.

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